Fundamentals of GIS
Enhance the performance of your measuring, mapping, modeling, and monitoring by tapping the power of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Learn the concepts that drive GIS, the basics of cartography, and the differences between various GIS packages.
Course at a glance
- Hands-on course based on active student participation; extensive in-class GIS demonstrations & utilization.
- Class dynamics also include lectures, readings, exercises, class discussion, and case studies.
- Aimed at individuals transitioning into the environmental field, as well as mid-level professionals in sectors involving environmental aspects, this course will also be of value to agrologists, biologists, engineers, industrial managers, foresters, technologists, and others who wish to update their skills and knowledge in this area.
- This course may be recognized as educational or continuing professional development credits by ECO Canada, the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA), the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB), the College of Alberta Professional Foresters (CAPF), the Alberta Institute of Agrologists (AIA), and the Association of Science & Engineering Technology Professionals Of Alberta (ASET).
What you will learn
By the end of this course, you should be able to:
- Understand the basics of Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
- Open and query geographic files.
- Determine what types of files can be loaded in a GIS.
- Understand how GPS can be used within a GIS environment.
- Locate geographic files for specific purposes.
- Understand discrepancies between NAD 27 and NAD 83.
- Operate a mapping program.
This course has no prerequisites
Students from all educational backgrounds welcome. You can register for this course without applying and enrolling in a program.
Take note:
- Missing more than 25% of class hours may result in a failing grade.
- Pre-course instructions and materials are available on eClass one week prior to the course start date, and additional pre-course work may be required to prepare for first class; advanced registration is recommended for student success.
- Students are required to install QGIS before the first class. Instructions for downloading the software and required data are found in these videos: Download QGIS and Start QGIS.
- Laptops are required throughout the course and must be ready with QGIS and related documents, files, and resources listed on eClass.
- Assessment includes a final exam completed in-class at the end of the final day.
Currently counts towards
-
Certificate
in
Environmental Resource Management
└21-hour elective course
-
Certificate
in
Applied Land Use Planning
└21-hour elective course
-
Technology & Innovation
└ course option
*If you are already enroled in this program, please refer to your specific program requirements as outlined at the time of your admission: Bear Tracks > Academic Advisement.
This is a skills-enhancing course in
You can register for and take a course without applying and enrolling into the program.
We recommend that you apply to the program as soon as possible to lock in your course requirements as they are subject to change.
Looking for different course dates?
New course schedules are released each June and November.
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Be sure to read our refund, withdrawal, and transfer policies
Call Continuing Education Student Services Office at 780-492-3116
or Information Services and Technology (IST) at 780-492-9400